Wednesday, 7 September 2016

Those were the days....Part 2

I still remember my last day in Lucknow Law College. All
were happy and joyous on completion of their degree but me. There were 23 of us
who had graduated as lawyers this year. Some wanted to pursue higher studies
and some were happy with the jobs they were been offered. I wanted to pursue my
higher studies in England. They said they make the best advocates. But life had
its own plans.

My father a bureaucrat had made all life decisions for me
till date and even for my future. He didn’t want me to go abroad, being the
only son among five children. I was never made responsible for my sisters or my
family’s needs and wants but it was clearly stated what I ought to do and what
not. Why I am not a bureaucrat is not a point of consideration but what I am
supposed to do is. I am a lawyer, and I wanted to be one, as per my father now
I have to take up a job. I need to start earning so that I become the perfect
marriage material, but not as a lawyer.

In fact my father has already searched for another job for
me. He wants me to be a personal assistant for a bureaucrat high above his
scale. I don’t deny his orders but why?? Well I can’t even question that; I
just need to follow what he says.

This bureaucrat is a resident of our city itself but was
currently posted in Shimla. I was asked to take an appointment for interview
immediately without wasting another day in Lucknow or my home town and meet
him. I got an appointment real fast to meet him in 3 days. My meeting was fixed
for Sept 4th and I reached Shimla on the night of Sept 3rd.

I reached there by train and as everything was already
decided there was a car waiting to pick me up at the station. I was escorted to
the circuit house. Shimla is beautiful with its greenery and the circuit house,
as all circuit houses are, majestic. Though I didn’t get the presidential suite,
the room that I got was spacious enough, on 1st floor with windows
all around, giving the view of the city from one side and the jungle on the
other.

On Sept 4th, I woke up early and set for my run.
The air was crisp and cold, nature is awesome. It awakens you, clears your mind
and pacifies you. The tall trees, chirpy birds and the slowly rising sun,
Shimla you seem promising. A nice start to the day and I think it is good to
get going with this mindset. Coming back there is this palatial bungalow a bit
ahead of the circuit house, I wander who stays there. Is the king of Shimla still
there or must be some old zamindaar. The bungalow is as covered with trees from
the outside to cut vision as mini jungle. But I can glimpse a lawn over there
and maybe a swimming pool or a stream with the sound of water.

After getting fresh I decided to take my breakfast
downstairs in the dining hall, I wanted to know more about that bungalow. As I
sat on the dining table it was laid with Indian and continental food, enough
for 10 people but there was no one around. I finished my meal alone and
disheartened set towards my room. I was already instructed that Sir is going to
call me once he is free from meetings. The day passed just like that.

The next day while I was returning to my room after the
sprint I met the caretaker. After an entire day of sitting and wandering alone
I was dying to speak to someone and so I took the tea before time and sat with
him. We chatted about the city, the people and yes the bungalow close by. To my
surprise that bungalow belonged to this bureaucrat. It was his ancestral
property and that is the reason he loves to take posting in Shimla. I asked the
caretaker more about him. He told me he is a nice man but a strict
disciplinarian. He has rules for everything. He married a foreigner and has
four daughters all well educated; almost most of their studies have been
through in foreign land. Wow and compare that with my family, my sisters are
only taught till 10th standard good enough to wed them off.

Again the day ended and no response. On 6th Sept
I had lost a bit of my enthusiasm and continued all my daily chores a bit
languidly. After my evening tea I thought I should take a walk. I had already
explored the city in these two days now it was time for the forest. The forest
is dense; there were Deodar, Pine,
Gulmohar and a beautiful lake I see. Sitting beside this lake just set me
contemplating. Why I was thinking all this now?? I had abided by fathers
thoughts and instructions all my life. I don’t know what I am doing here. The
person I was asked to come and meet for an interview is not even bothered of
giving me a chance. I think it’s time I need to take a decision. Maybe father
would be sad or angry, but I think it’s time to leave.

My flashback
thoughts were broken by a hustle. Damn I spoke to the caretaker about
everything and never asked him if there were wild animals in this jungle.